Among those that attended the musical get together was the town’s mayor Colleen Walker, the High Sheriff of Norfolk Henry Cator and chairman of Norfolk County Council Ian Monson.

They were joined in tuneful harmony by scores of residents, fellow dignitaries and youngsters from the Little Maria Sunday school at St Peter’s Church, Gorleston.

The packed church was filled with the sounds of traditional Christmas carols during yesterday’s (Monday) event, which was led by the Dene of Norwich the Very Reverend Graham Smith.

The winners of the Minster Christmas tree festival were also announced during the service.

Crafty teams from across the borough entered the competition and 58 tress and cribs went on display for five days before the winning creation was announced.

Pupils from Herman Primary School were awarded the best in show prize, voted for by a judging panel, while Caister Stitchers won the public vote. Both teams were presented with a trophy at the carol service.

And there was also a prize for young detective Zeya McKay who won the children’s hunt the snowman competition and scooped a family ticket to the Hippodrome Christmas Circus.

The Great Yarmouth Minster Preservation Trust, which organised the festival, thanked everyone who exhibited and congratulated the entrants on the ingenuity shown. The festival raised £1,600 for the restoration of the fabric of the church.